USWNT Star Mallory Swanson Stretchered Off Field With Apparent Knee Injury

A frightening scene arose late in the first half of the USWNT’s exhibition against Ireland on Saturday.

United States women’s national team forward Mallory Swanson was stretchered off the pitch after appearing to suffer a serious leg injury late in the first half of an World Cup tune-up match against Ireland.

Just before the halftime whistle blew, Swanson went to the ground after a challenge from Irish defender Aoife Mannion. The 24-year-old immediately grabbed for her left knee and signaled to the sideline for attention. 

Training staff personnel and even USWNT manager Vlatko Andonovski came out onto the pitch to tend to and speak with Swanson. Eventually, the Chicago Red Stars forward was loaded onto a stretcher and driven off the field. 

As the cart departed the pitch, Swanson applauded and waved to fans at Q2 Stadium, giving viewers a reason for optimism after a frightening scene. 

Mallory Swanson is carted off the pitch in the USWNT's game against Ireland with what appears to be a serious injury three months before the World Cup.

Damn. pic.twitter.com/dyOmenuSWX

— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 8, 2023

U.S. Soccer later confirmed that Swanson suffered a left knee injury and was on her way to the hospital. She was replaced just before the half by Trinity Rodman. 

The U.S. led Ireland 1–0 at halftime after a 37th minute goal from Emily Fox.